By JESSE GRAHAM
A NEW men’s shed will soon be built for Toolangi residents following a $69,000 funding boost from the state government and the local community.
Seymour MP Cindy McLeish announced a $45,000 funding grant for Toolangi Castella District Community House late last month.
The money will complement $24,780 in funding from other community organisations giving the group $69,780 for the construction of a new men’s shed in the town.
A community house spokesperson said members were very pleased and keen to get the shed up-and-running, though a timeline was not yet available regarding the funding.
The new men’s shed will be constructed at the old Toolangi CFA building, with new disabled toilets, a kitchen area and solar panels to be constructed at the site.
Insulation and boarding will also take place at the building, which will all help the shed to meet safety regulations.
Toolangi Men’s Shed Steering Committee member Jack Walhout said he was excited to get the shed running.
He said the shed will concentrate on woodworking and metalwork to create furniture and to help community groups in their projects where possible.
“It’s about creating a space where people can come and have a chat or a coffee, not necessarily all the time for people to come and work,” he said.
“It’s also a place where there will be skills sharing – people can come and share their ability to do things, and that’s an important aspect.
“There’s a lot of useful people around here.”
Ms McLeish said that many local people will be looking forward to the new facilities.
